Masseter Botox Can Sculpt Your Jawline and Stop Teeth Grinding—Here's How

While Botox is best known for quickly smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, the popular injectable does more than you might think. Dermatologists also use it to contour and enhance the jawline and alleviate temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) symptoms, teeth grinding, and jaw clenching by strategically injecting the masseter muscles.

The large masseter muscle, which aids chewing, runs along each side of the face from the temporal bone to the lower jaw and plays an important role in facial aesthetics. "These muscles help define the shape of the lower face, contributing to a slim, contoured appearance, or, conversely, causing the jawline and lower face to appear weak or overly defined," board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman explains. And that's where Botox, yet again, can come into play. Ahead, find everything you need to know about masseter Botox.

Meet Our Expert

• Marisa Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist. She is also a clinical assistant professor at Cornell.

• Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon.

What Is Masseter Botox?

Masseter Botox refers to injecting Botox into the masseter muscles, which are located along the jawline. The two benefits of masseter Botox include pain relief caused by jaw clenching and contouring the jaw area for a slimming effect. Dr. Garshick says when the muscles are strong and large, treating them with Botox helps create a slimming effect. "It is also helpful for those who suffer from TMJ to help relieve teeth grinding and other symptoms such as pain and soreness," she explains. "Relaxing the muscles with Botox (or any injectable neuromodulator, for that matter), the muscle becomes weak and reduces in size."

Dr. Engelman says it's important to note that Botox is just one brand of neuromodulator, though arguably the most well-known. Other brands of neuromodulators may be injected for this treatment, too. Whether Botox, Xeomin, Dysport, Daxxify, or Juveau is used to treat the masseter muscle, the way they work is all the same. The neuromodulator reduces the master muscle from contracting to limit muscle movement. This causes the jaw muscles to slightly atrophy and for the area to relax. Less muscle activity leads to less tension in the area, alleviating discomfort. "Over time, the muscle decreases in size, which causes the shape of the face to change and become slimmer and the jaw area to appear smaller and more contoured," she notes.

What to Expect

Before getting masseter Botox, your dermatologist will determine if you're a good candidate by assessing your jawline. Dr. Garshick says clenching down on the jaw helps determine the location of the masseter muscle to see how strong it is. If the muscle bulges out, masseter Botox is likely a good solution for slimming and shrinking the muscle, especially if there is any discomfort or pain in the area caused by grinding or clenching.

Your dermatologist will also instruct you to avoid taking blood thinners and certain medications or supplements before your appointment. You'll want to avoid the treatment if you have a known allergy to neurotoxins, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have an active infection or sore at the injection site.

The injection process is similar to getting Botox injections elsewhere on the face and follows the same protocol. Dr. Garshick says that first, the jaw area is properly cleansed. Then, your dermatologist will numb the area with topical numbing cream. Next, three to four injections of Botox are administered into each side of the face where the masseter muscle is.

In two to four weeks, most people who get masseter Botox see results, like less bulkiness in the lower part of the face and a decrease in jaw pain and discomfort. However, Dr. Engelman says using it to relieve muscle tension and pain caused by clenching the jaw and grinding the teeth can result in almost immediate relief after the injections. The results can last three to six months, depending on the muscle size and how many units of Botox are used. You'll know when it's time for another treatment because any pre-existing tension or pain will begin to return slowly, and the jaw area will start to return to its baseline appearance.

Potential Side Effects

Injecting Botox anywhere in the face comes with potential side effects, which are usually minimal, and masseter Botox is no different. It's common for the jawline to become bruised, swollen, or red following injections, which lasts a few days at most.

However, some people may experience more severe complications and risks due to their practitioner injecting the Botox improperly. "Mistakes can occur in the hands of an unskilled injector, resulting in asymmetrical or 'overdone' results, or issues with the smile muscles," Dr. Engelman says.

Other issues can also include xerostomia (a lack of saliva) and a bulging effect that causes the jaw to look distorted if too much Botox is injected or if it is injected too deep within the muscle. Dr. Garshick explains that in some cases, a bulky masseter muscle supports the jowls, and decreasing the muscle size can cause the jowls to hang. "This is why it is important to see a board-certified dermatologist to determine if you are a good candidate for masseter Botox."

The Cost

The price of masseter Botox depends on the number of units used, the neuromodulator injected (they are all priced a little differently), and the location of your injector. Masseter Botox can range from $500 to $1000 or more on average.

Aftercare

With masseter Botox, there's little to no downtime. After the injections, you can return to your regular routine, but our experts recommend avoiding working out for a few days and refraining from lying down for the first six hours. To make the most out of masseter Botox and get the best results, Dr. Garshick also recommends avoiding massaging the area to ensure that the Botox doesn't mig ate. "Applying ice can help to reduce swelling or bruising," she says. "It is best to avoid alcohol for 24 hours before and after to minimize the potential for bruising."

Dr. Engelman adds, "If masseter Botox is to address stress-induced jaw clenching and pain, you may also want to look into stress-relieving tactics to help maximize and prolong the benefits of the treatment."

The Final Takeaway

Even though it's an off-label use, masseter Botox is an effective way to treat the pain and symptoms associated with teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Beyond that, it also helps to slim and contour the jawline. While it's not a permanent solution, it provides nearly immediate relief and results sans downtime. If you're considering the treatment, consult with your dermatologist to see if you'd be a candidate for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can masseter Botox change the shape of the face?

Yes, masseter Botox can temporarily change the shape of the face by slimming the jawline. Strategically injecting Botox into the masseter muscle relaxes it, helping to re-contour the face and create a better-defined jawline.

How long do the effects of masseter Botox last?

The effects of masseter Botox typically last three to six months depending on the size of the muscle, how much product is injected, and which neuromodulator is used.

Are there any alternatives to Masseter Botox?

Dr. Garshick suggests radiofrequency (RF) microneedling devices such as Matrix Pro or Morpheus 8 and filler to help better define the jawline. "But, for someone who suffers from TMJ or teeth grinding, the only other way to improve the condition is to treat it with a mouth guard, which may help to reduce the muscle size gradually. Botox can often provide a faster result though the two work well together and are complementary."

Up Next: "TrapTox" Can Help Reduce Neck and Shoulder Pain, According to Dermatologists

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